The highest increases in total retail trade in the EU were registered in Malta (+1.0%), Luxembourg (+0.9%), Hungary and Slovakia (both +0.7%), and the largest decreases in Germany (-3.2%), Portugal (-2.5%) and Poland (-2.4%).

In September 2014 compared with August 2014, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade1 fell by 1.3% in the euro area  (EA18) and by 1.2% in the EU282, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the  European Union.

 In August, retail trade rose by 0.9% and 1.1% respectively.

In September 2014 compared with September 20134 the retail sales index increased by 0.6% in the euro area and by 1.0% in the EU28.

Economy Minister Chris Cardona welcomed the news, saying the figures augur well for the Maltese economy.

In a statement, the Economy Minister said the wholesale and retail sectors employ 23,770 people full-time and 10,485 part-time up until May.

“This means that under this administration, there was an increase of 458 people working full-time and 583 part-time. This works out as an increase of two people daily working in this sector,” the statement said.

“The statistics published by Eurostat today continue to confirm that Malta’s economic growth is driven by the private sector. This government’s economic strategy is bearing fruit. The measures, including reductions in energy and water tariffs for commercial entities are expected to improve the results being achieved by Malta,” the Minister said.